Frequently Asked Questions

Darford products can be found in many specialty retailers across Canada and the USA. A full directory can be found on our Retail Locator or by calling us toll-free at 1-866-479-7999.

What if my pet doesn’t like your treats?

At Darford we stand behind our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If, for any reason, you are dissatisfied with our product, it can be returned to the point of purchase. Depending on the store’s return policies, you may receive full credit and your money back, a store credit, or an exchange for an alternative product.

What meat by-products do you use in your recipes?

We do not use any meat by-products. We use only whole muscle meat tissue in our treats.

Do your treats contain peanut/nut ingredients?

Yes, our Naturals and Grain Free treats with Peanut Butter contain peanut butter as an ingredient. We have rigorous clean-out procedures and inspections but if you or a family member have an allergy to nuts, please handle our Darford brand treats with care.

Why do you use brewers yeast in your treats?

Brewers yeast is a non-fermentable yeast that provides a good source of minerals, antioxidants and B vitamins.

Why do you use kelp in your treats?

Kelp, derived from the ocean, has been used for centuries . Dried kelp is nutritious and is enriched with multiple vitamins and minerals.

Where are your products manufactured?

Our Darford treats are manufactured and packaged in our own facilities, which are located in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. If you were looking for us on a map, you'd need to look for Vernon - a city of about 50,000 people.

How are your treats preserved?

Our treats contain no chemical additives like BHT, BHA or ethoxyquin. We use a natural form of preservative, mixed tocopherols, or Vitamin E.

Do your treats contain antioxidants?

Yes! Antioxidants can play an important role in your dog’s daily nutrition and may fight off damage caused by free radicals.

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are foods made of primary sugars that are not digested, but act to stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria in the digestive tract.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are natural, live micro-flora enzymes and beneficial bacteria that aid in the digestion process and allow for better absorption of nutrients. For our treats we use Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30 6086 as a probiotic as it is not heat sensitive. Brewer’s yeast is an additional form of probiotic found in our diets and is also a source of a special carbohydrate known as Mannan-oligo-saccharides (MOS) which can help with digestion.

How are probiotics added to your treats?

For our treats we use Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30 6086 as our probiotic. This type of probiotic is a spore-forming probiotic bacterium. The spore protects the genetic material within the cell from the heat and process of manufacturing, increases the shelf life, and is bile acid tolerant. Once in the intestinal tract the spores are able to germinate and produce new cells to help improve the immune system and support digestive health. The benefits of this probiotic strain include; providing benefits to both the small and large intestines, producing L+ lactic acid to replace non-beneficial bacteria. The probiotic strain was not produced using biotechnology.

What is a kcal?

A kcal (kilocalorie) is a unit of heat equal to 1000 calories. In pet nutrition, the larger unit kcal is used interchangeably with calories. On our treat packages, you’ll see us refer to kcal/kg and then the number of kcal/treat. ME or metabolizable energy refers to the calories that are actually used by your dog net of those expelled in his/her waste.

How many treats can I give my dog or puppy a day?

Pet obesity is a growing problem in North America. It’s important to regulate your dog’s caloric intake between food and treats plus provide plenty of fresh drinking water and exercise. Talk to your veterinarian about what calorie count is appropriate for your dog or puppy and then don’t forget to consider treats as part of their caloric intake.

What human foods are dangerous to my dog?

There are many human foods that are attractive to dogs however they can cause serious and sometimes even fatal consequences. If your pet has ingested any of the following items, please contact your veterinarian right away.

Foods that are toxic include: chocolate, onions, grapes/raisins, garlic, alcohol, tea or coffee, fruit pits, macadamia nuts, raw dough and mushrooms. Foods that should be constantly monitored because of their potential to cause blockages include: fruits/vegetables that contain pits or stones (peaches, plums, avocados, apricots, cherries etc.), chewing gum, and bones (they do not digest bones plus they can splinter).